List of system restore options in Windows 7 and how to use them

The array of troubleshooting solutions built into Windows 7 are one of the prime reasons that it serves as such as an effective operating system. Each solution addresses a different kind of issue and the diversity of options is certainly admirable. Tools like System Restore allows you to restore the configuration to an earlier point and System Image Recovery helps to create a personalized backup of selected objects. Tools such as Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool, Startup Repair, and Command Prompt are also extremely useful in addressing major issues that may cause dysfunctionality in Windows 7. A detailed description of these options is present below.

Windows System Restore

As one of the most frequently used tools for recovery, System Restore is an efficient tool for troubleshooting PC issues. It is particularly useful when the computer malfunctions after running an update or installing a software. It also helps in the event of changes being made to system settings which leads to the device behaving in an aberrant manner. It is often the first function that users reach for when they are confronted with any detrimental activity on their Windows device.

Essentially, System Restore creates Restore Points which are snapshots of the device configuration at a certain point in time. When initiated, System Restore reverts the computer’s settings to an earlier state of configuration as recorded by a Restore Point. Users can setup Windows Restore on Reboot Points automatically at regular intervals or create them manually.

It must be noted that System Restore does not affect personal files. It only restores system files, registry, system settings, and objects related to the operating system. It cannot be used to recover deleted files.

How to perform System Restore in Windows 7

System Restore can be used if it is enabled on your PC. If it is not enabled by default, it is best to manually activate it.

The following steps will enable System Restore.

1. Click the Windows button.

2. Right-click Computer in the menu’s right column. A list menu appears.

3. Click Properties in the list menu. A new window will open.

4. On the left column of the window, click System Protection. The System Properties window appears.

5. Under System Protection tab, you will find Protection Settings box. Select the drive that you want System Restore to protect in Protection Settings box. Click Configure button, then Apply, then OK.

After System Restore has been enabled, take following steps to create a Restore Point

1. On the System Protection tab, click Create. The System Protection dialog box appears.

2. Type a name for the Restore Point that will help you identify it. Click Create. You will return to the System Properties dialog box.

3. Click the Apply option, then OK.

Follow the steps below to execute System Restore.

First, follow steps 1 - 4 to get to the System Protection tab.

1. Now click the System Restore button. The System Restore dialog box appears.

2. Click Next. Choose the Restore Point to be used from the list. (It is best to click on ‘Scan for affected programs’ to see which applications will be changed, restored, or uninstalled.) Click Next.

3. Click Finish. A dialog box will appear with confirmation.

4. Click Yes. System Restore process will begin.

After completing the restoration process your computer will automatically restart. If the problem persists, one can try to run System Restore again, but by choosing a different Restore Point this time around.

Startup Repair

If your Windows 7 PC refuses to boot, Startup Repair is the optimal solution. This option identifies the startup issues that emerge from corrupt or missing files and suggest the recommended recovery solution. If major system damage occurs, it might be necessary to execute Startup Repair from the System Recovery Options menu.

How to use Startup Repair in Windows 7

The following steps can be followed to reach the System Recovery Options dialog box:

1. Remove all external drives from your PC. Restart the PC.

2. Press the F8 key and keep it pressed as Windows attempts to boot. If you press the key after the Windows logo appears, you have to restart again and press the key immediately.  

3. The Advanced Boot Options appears. With the arrow keys, highlight the option “Repair your computer”. Press Enter.

4. Select the keyboard format you prefer, and click Next. The System Recovery Options window will appear.

5. Click on the Startup Repair option. The system will be scanned for issues.

6. If no issue is detected, click Finish. If an issue is detected, Startup Repair will automatically try to resolve it.

7. If the issue is resolved, click Finish button to restart and repair the device.

8. A dialog box will appear with details of diagnosis and repair. Click Close to exit.

9. If Startup Repair fails to resolve the issue, you could run it again or choose another tool. (By default, Startup Repair recommends System Restore.)

10. Click Cancel. Startup Repair will ask your permission to send a report to Microsoft to improve service. Choose your preferred option to exit.

Windows Memory Diagnostic in Windows 7

Windows Memory Diagnostic is the tool for resolving issues related to the computer’s RAM. There are times when faulty system memory results in unexpected software errors. This occurs in spite of the system’s configuration being untarnished. This tool scans the device memory, resolves RAM defects, and restore windows 7 to optimal functionality. Problems with the hard disk, however, cannot be resolved with this feature.  

How to use Windows Memory Diagnostic in Windows 7

1. Click the Windows button. Type “memory” in the search box.

2. Click Windows Memory Diagnostic in the search results. The Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool dialog box appears.

3. Select one of the two options. The first option makes Windows restart in order to run the ‘Standard’ test. The second option causes the test to run the next time the device starts. By default, this feature will run a ‘Standard’ test but ‘Basic’ and ‘Extended’ test option are also available. ‘Extended’ is an exhaustive test which can be performed for more detailed results.

To switch to the ‘Extended’ option, use the following steps:

1. On the Windows Memory Diagnostic boot window, Press F1. The options appear.

2. Use the Tab key to highlight the preferred option. A deep Windows Memory Diagnostic test can be performed by highlighting Extended and pressing F10 to apply it.

If the device is not booting, Windows Memory Diagnostic can be accessed in Advanced Boot Options.

The following steps offer access to Advanced Boot Options:

1. Start the computer and keep pressing the F8 key. A black screen with Advanced Boot Options will appear.

2. Press the Esc key to cancel. This will take you to Windows Boot Manager.

3. By pressing the tab key you can opt for Window Memory Diagnostic. Press Enter to begin.

If no RAM error is found, a pop-up emerges from the toolbar to inform you. If an error is found, the tool attempts to identify the faulty memory module. The pop-up informs you accordingly. It also provides information about whether the RAM hardware is faulty in which case the RAM card needs to be replaced.

Reboot to Restore

Reboot to Restore is an alternative to the inbuilt troubleshooting tools in Windows 7. It initiates system restoration when a computer is restarted. It preserves a pristine configuration as the baseline and with every restart, reverts the system back to this baseline. Consequently, every user would have access to an optimally functioning system.

If any issues need troubleshooting, the user can simply restart the system. This means that within a few minutes, the system can be restored to a pristine state. Users unfamiliar with the technical aspects of the operating system can also execute this technology by just restarting the computer.